The stolen tabernacle, ciboria and
hosts which were taken from Meedin Church as part of a raid on Catholic
Churches across Westmeath and Offaly last week, were discovered
discarded not far from the Church near Tyrrellspass.
The tabernacle is believed to be severely damaged, and well as the ciborium and the sacred host which was contained within it.
Meanwhile there has been no further
information on the valuable goods take from Walshestown Church, which
included a chalice dating back to 1906 that is believed to be lined with
gold and precious stones, as well as a second chalice, two candlebras
reported to be worth €600, a gold ciborium valued at €400, Holy
Communion Plate €200, safe worth €200 taken from Walshestown Church.
The burglaries were discovered by caretakers
early on Wednesday morning last, October 20 following raids the previous
night.
Speaking after the burglary in Meedin, Fr William Coleman PP in
Rochfortbridge, said:
“It wasn’t just a burglary that took place in
Meedin on Tuesday night ; it was an act of desecration. The tabernacle
was removed from our church and, worst of all, the sacred Hosts, as well
as considerable damage to the fabric of the sanctuary. It marks a new
low, and the whole parish community is deeply shocked and appalled by
it.”
However, Fr. Paul Crosbie said that while the Meedin tabernacle was damaged, at least they had been found:
“They are damaged but at least they are back, thank God,” said Fr. Paul Crosbie.
In the Cathedral newsletter this weekend, Fr Padraig McMahon appealed to anyone with information to contact Mullingar Gardaí on 044 9384000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 044 9384000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting wrote the following:
Parishioners in Rahan, near Tullamore, Co
Offaly, were also told to be extra vigilant by Fr John McEvoy, who urged
them to ensure their cars were locked, after a break-in at St Patrick’s
Church, The Island also on Tuesday night last week. Gardaí continue to
appeal for information on the break-ins which they have referred to as
“a well-planned raid”.
“Access was gained to Walshestown and Meedin
churches by forcing the front doors open,” said a Garda spokesperson,
who went on to say that chalices, ciboria, communion pates which were
taken, the marble surrounding the tabernacle in Meedin was badly
damaged, as were the confessional boxes in both churches.
SIC: WE/IE